Tag Archive | Romance

Monica McCabe’s Debut Novel!

Jul10

Today I’d like to welcome a dear friend to my site … Monica McCabe!

Monica has a unique flair for writing stories filled with action, adventure, suspense, and romance. I told her once that her writing is like “Indiana Jones” meets “Romancing the Stone!”

Her debut novel, “Diamond Legacy,” was just released! It’s the first book in her Jewel series. I hope you’ll “give her a read!”

DIAMOND LEGACY

DL
What happens when a dental zoologist flies to Botswana to give a rare albino hippo a root canal? She lands smack in the middle of a diamond smuggling ring and right in the way of an undercover agent for International Diamond Security—one who knows firsthand the horror of conflict diamonds. Determined to bring down the cartel, he accepts the veterinarian’s help. But when the past catches up to him and the stakes skyrocket, he must risk all to save her from an evil that has haunted him for fifteen years.

http://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Legacy-Monica-McCabe-ebook/dp/B00ONTR8Y0/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diamond-legacy-monica-mccabe/1120611660?ean=9781616507077

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/diamond-legacy

 

Author Bio…
Adventuring is in Monica McCabe’s blood. She’s addicted to travel, National Parks, & exploring new places and mysterious locales. She’s climbed glaciers and ancient Mayan pyramids, dived shipwrecks and reef caves, camped in Sasquatch country, and drove across the USA three times. When not traveling she’s writing romantic action adventure books, playing outdoors, or researching that next big trip. Diamond Legacy, her first romantic suspense novel, will be released July 7, 2015 under Lyrical Press / Kensington Publishing.
Social media accts:

Monica McCabe

Monica McCabe

www.monicamccabe.net
www.facebook.com/monica.McCabe
https://twitter.com/monicamccabe

What’s Your Taste?

Jun24

We all have the same five senses, but because we’re all different, so are our tastes.

A person who loves to listen to classical music likely won’t care for rap. And vice-versa. The same goes for visual art. A lover of Michelangelo may not care for Picasso.

Let’s not forget the taste buds. Kids normally don’t like broccoli, but will devour candy. I happen to like both! Of course, when I was a kid, I turned my nose up at the broccoli. Yes, tastes can change.

Just like with every other form of art, people have certain likes and dislikes in the books they choose to read. If you’ve been following my blog, then you know I’m an author. If you’ve thought about giving my books a try, I’m happy to say that the e-book version of “Marked” is on sale now on Amazon for .99 cents! This sale will only be going on for another few days, so be sure to download it soon. I hope you’ll find that my writing suits your tastes! To find out more about my other books, be sure to check out the books tab on the menu above.

Here’s the link for “Marked.”

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L4AHXEG

"Marked" by Jeanne Hardt

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Cynthia Gail – Summer’s Family Affair

May11

Today I’m happy to welcome my friend, Cynthia Gail, to my blog! Cynthia is an author of contemporary romance and has just released the third book in the “Music City Hearts” series set in Nashville, TN.

All of her stories have their share of ‘steam,’ but what I love the most about this new book is that it deals with the complexities of adding children into the mix of a new relationship. Her hero is a widower with a young son. Not only does the heroine have to build a relationship with her new love interest, but also his son. Add in the former in-laws who are protective and feel no one can replace their daughter, and you have a truly interesting and realistic situation.

Here’s a little more info! If you love contemporary romance, you should read her books!

Summer's Family Affair

Jenny Cohen defines successful independence: she put herself through college, couldn’t ask for better friends, owns a consulting firm, wears designer clothes, and just moved into her dream home . . . But she’s alone, except for her ailing mother whom she supports in a nursing home. As the marketing consultant for Chester, Dorsey & Tanner, she’s surrounded by male attention. Too bad it’s the overly-protective big-brother type.

Architect, Craig Stone, hasn’t looked at another woman since his wife passed away four years ago. His time is taken—building a career while trying to be both mother and father to his eight-year-old son. But when his appointment with the largest development firm in Nashville is double-booked with a black-haired beauty, he finds himself reaching for new possibilities.

The attraction sets off more fireworks than the Fourth of July. Yet, their relationship is riddled with issues neither one of them expected. Somewhere in the middle they must find a way to compromise or let go of a chance for love they may never find again.

Website:  http://cynthiagail.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CynthiaGailRomance

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CynthiaGailBook

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6564818.Cynthia_Gail

Amazon Author Central:  http://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Gail/e/B009WQTTQE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1426743860&sr=8-1

Amazon buy link:  http://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Gail/e/B009WQTTQE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1426743860&sr=8-1

 

Here’s a little more about Cynthia:

Bio:

My husband and I live in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee with our three dogs. When I’m not working or writing, I can be found with family and friends. I love to bake in the winter, grill in the summer, and on occasion, I sneak away from everyone and curl up with a good book.

Books #1 and #2 in the series:

Winter’s Magic   http://amzn.to/1Gsi6OM

Spring’s Surprise   http://amzn.to/1Np002k

 

 

 

Follow Your Heart

Mar18

A common theme of many of my books is “follow your heart.”

I honestly think that the reason for this is that it’s something I’ve always tried to do. To really listen to what my heart tells me. Or maybe it’s that little angel sitting on my shoulder trying to guide me through my life. Though I confess, sometimes the little devil on the other shoulder wins and I get off track.

But that’s life, right? A constant battle of decisions that keep us moving forward. Lessons learned. Love gained and lost. Hardships. Happiness. Many, many ups and downs. A brilliant roller coaster ride. Sometimes we can see the track ahead and know where we’re going, but many times we enter a dark tunnel and have no idea if we’re about to be turned upside-down.

I happen to love roller coasters. But I always have that feeling of “why did I get on this thing” after the steep climb to the highest point of the ride. I know what’s coming. Within seconds I’ll be plummeted down a steep drop and my heart will beat wildly until I reach the bottom. It’s definitely a rush. Scary and exhilarating. And I like it so much I go on it again and again.

I recently decided to try my hand at writing a young adult novel. It put me on a new kind of roller coaster. I sometimes wonder why I put myself through writing things that are so incredibly emotional. But…I followed my heart. Something pushed me to write it. I shed many tears. But in the end I fell in love with my characters and like so many others, they became real to me. I hope that by following my heart, I’m able to touch the hearts of my readers.

I really believe that being a teen is harder now than ever. They’re faced with so much more than I ever was. Lots of peer pressure and with the vast amount of technology at their fingertips, the world has been opened up to them in ‘scary and exhilarating’ ways. Talk about a roller coaster ride!

I feel for them.

But one thing hasn’t changed. Love. We all need it. Search for it. Long for it. And I love to write about it. And no matter what comes our way, if we follow our hearts, things will be okay. And if for some reason we get off track, we can get right back on again. In this crazy, upside-down world, we all need a happily ever after. And even if I boo-hoo while writing a book, I make certain it ends happy. I promise.

I once was a teen!

I once was a teen!

Tainted, River Romance Book 2

Feb4

I’m excited to announce the release of the second book in my River Romance series! “Tainted” is now available for sale on Amazon! It’s currently in e-book form, and will soon be in print as well.

Be sure to check out the other books on my book tab, and if you’d like advance notice of upcoming releases, sign up for my newsletter by clicking on the newsletter tab.

Thank you for following me on this incredible literary journey!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T5AN1K2

Tainted cover

Guest Author – Rebecca Neely

Jan14

If you followed my twelve days of Christmas posts, then you met a number of guest authors. Today I’m hosting another one of the wonderful ladies who participated in the blog tour!

Her books are a bit higher on the ‘heat’ scale than mine! But this time of year a little heat can be a very good thing.

Please say hello to Rebecca Neely!
A Mighty Good Man by Rebecca E. Neely

Rebecca Neely A Might Good Man Book Cover

3 days. 2 people. 1 story.

‘Hank’ Jerry, a down and out writer, and Jack Darcy, a former gang leader, team up to write his story for mutual gain and end up falling for each other.

It’s not long before their romance is as hot as the copy she’s writing, but they’ve both got something to hide that could blow up in their faces, and with time running out and gang enforcers closing in, will the trust they’ve forged survive the ultimate test?

Pick up your copy today from Amazon.

 

About the Author

Rebecca E. Neely was born and raised in a small town in western Pennsylvania. Her father, an English teacher and a writer, instilled in her a love of words, and literature, especially short stories, at a young age. Her mother, a voracious reader, gave her Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild as a Christmas gift when she was nine, and Rebecca’s been hooked on reading stories of all stripes ever since.

Rebecca’s family also owned and managed a restaurant until she was about sixteen, and she grew up in the business, working, cooking, and eating. Rebecca enjoys finding, and reading new authors via her Kindle. Live music inspires her, as do the characters she’s blessed to have in her life, including her daughter, her boyfriend, and her mother. She loves drawing, crafting, walking, and camping. She also enjoys traveling, going to music festivals, and exploring cities she’s never been to before with her daughter.

In a former life, she earned a B.S. in Accounting, and worked in that field for about a decade. Since 2001, Rebecca has freelanced, writing a wide variety of copy for local magazines, and businesses all over the country. She is a member of Savvy Authors, and a PRO member of Romance Writers of America.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Downton Abbey

Jan4

I rarely watch TV these days. Most of my spare time is spent writing. I may squeeze in a movie every now and then, but rarely get hooked on a television series.

BUT…I’ve been jumping up and down celebrating the return of Downton Abbey!

I’ve always loved Jane Austen, and maybe this series is a bit “Austenesque.” Of course, the show is more contemporary than when her stories were set. Yet they’re still set in a time when women wore lovely dresses, and most gentleman behaved ‘gentlemanly.’ I could say it’s the romantic in me that draws me to this program, but it’s more than that. The characters drive the plot, and there’s more than just love stories. Enough more that my husband likes to watch it with me. It’s not a chick-flick stretched into a series. It’s an epic saga that we can’t seem to get enough of.

I admit we were unhappy at the loss of some of our favorite characters. My husband swore he wouldn’t watch another episode after the end of season three–I think he might have even thrown something at the TV–but we did, and we can’t wait to see what happens next.

I’m glad I finished up my edits on my current work in progress, and sent them to my editor yesterday. Because tonight I’m allowing myself a guilty pleasure–or maybe not so guilty! Downton Abbey is TV at its best, and I’m certainly not ashamed to say that I’m a fan.

DRWCANON20110829IMG1331w-M

The Eleventh Day of Christmas – Cynthia Gail

Dec24

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me…orlando26

An alternative to hot chocolate AND one of my dearest friends to host as my guest author!

First, the alternative.

On a cold winters’ day, it’s always nice to have something hot to drink.  I previously posted a recipe for Hot Buttered Rum. Today’s hot beverage is for people of all ages. It’s so easy that I don’t even need to post an official recipe.

Heat a cup of milk. Add  1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, and then several spoons of sugar. (The amount of sugar depends on your taste.) And that’s it! You now have ‘hot vanilla.’ It’s very delicious! You can adjust the amount of vanilla and sugar to suit the size of your mug. Enjoy!

And now, please welcome Cynthia Gail to my blog! Her book is the perfect Christmas romance to read while you sip your hot vanilla.

 

Winter’s Magic by Cynthia Gail

Winter's Magic

Owner of La Bella Vita, a five-star day spa nestled in the affluent suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, Beth Sergeant knows her elite clientele first hand. She attended their private schools. She was even engaged, although briefly, to one of their most recognized bachelors. But she never fit in to their social-elite world.

After losing his parents to a car accident at a young age, Nick Chester was raised by his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. When he chooses to socialize, he has a never-ending list of exclusive events and beautiful women vying for his attention. Yet he never lets himself forget that everyone has an agenda.

Beth can’t resist Nick’s charm and accepts an invitation to dinner, despite her deep-seated insecurities. She proves she’s nothing like other women Nick’s dated and learns to trust him in return. But just as the last of their resistance crumbles and true love is within reach, challenges from Nick’s past threaten to destroy everything and force Beth to reveal her most guarded secret.

Pick up a copy today at Amazon.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Cynthia donated a $10 Starbucks card, paired with a Bark Less Wag More coffee mug & author swag from Rachel Lacey to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

My husband and I live in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee with our eighteen-year-old son and three dogs. When I’m not working or writing, I can be found with family and friends. I love to bake in the winter, grill in the summer, and on occasion, I sneak away from everyone and curl up with a good book.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

The Tenth Day of Christmas – Ann Lacey

Dec23

We’re getting closer and closer to Christmas Day and I hope you’ve been enjoying this ongoing event!180370774108_0_BG

Today I’m going to share a special memory that was a family tradition for years. I’m sad to say that I stopped doing this after my son grew up. I fear that unless he carries it on, it may fade away.

My mother’s ancestors came to the United States from Holland. There, fruit was always a luxury. Something cherished and definitely savored. In Holland, instead of stockings, the children put out their wooden shoes for Saint Nicholas. Good children got an orange, and naughty children got a lump of coal. The tradition of the Christmas stocking came when they made their move to the United States. They were not the fancy kind that we have today, they were real stockings and socks. The special gift from Santa that every child treasured was always in the toe of the stocking. It was an orange. A small cut was made in the rind and a coin was inserted. My great-grandpa always threatened my mother with a lump of coal, but she was always a good girl and never received one.

Mom carried on this tradition for us. The coin grew over the years from a quarter to a half dollar, and if my memory is correct, we even got silver dollars. The last few years I was blessed with a Christmas stocking, the coin was no longer inserted into the orange, instead it was taped on. I think she worried that the dirty coin would ruin the orange. Makes sense to me!

These days we take so much for granted, including oranges. Maybe Santa should start putting them in stockings again. I think I’ll tell him that it would be a good idea!

Today I’m welcoming Ann Lacey to my blog!
A Second Chance for Murder by Ann Lacey

Ann Lacey A Second Chance For Murder Book Cover

When a young woman is murdered during a party at the family estate and local authorities are unable to find the culprit, Lady Thora Mannington decides to take matters into her own hands and sets out to find the killer herself!

Fearing for his impulsive sister’s safety, her brother, Nyle turns to his friend Lord Garren Huntscliff for help. Though his investigating days are over, Garren cannot refuse his troubled friend. No sooner does he take on the case than two more deaths occur and he soon discovers that he is matching wits against a dangerous and clever killer. Complicating his effort is the lovely Lady Thora, who insists on joining forces with him yet refuses to adhere to his cautions, continually places herself at risk and is so disarmingly enchanting that he finds himself falling for her. Now Garren has two things on his mind, find a crafty and elusive killer and keep the reckless Lady Thora from becoming a victim herself!

Pick up a copy today from Amazon.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Ann donated a $25 Amazon card to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

 

About the Author

I spent much of my life in New Jersey but have also lived in Florida and Wyoming. I currently reside in the lake region of central North Carolina. Living close to water, there are days when fog rolls in off the lake and creates an eerie mist. I love it but my dog, Molly, takes one look and refuses to leave the house.

When I’m not writing I read (lately with the help of a powerful pair of readers). For me there’s nothing better than a good who-done- it or a steamy romance! On rainy days, I enjoy watching old movies especially film noir and I can spend hours in an antique store.

I have recently moved to North Carolina and I’m delighted to say that southern hospitality truly exists!

Connect: Website | Twitter

The Ninth Day of Christmas – Linda O’Connor

Dec22

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Something warm for a cold, snowy day!

Something warm for a cold, snowy day!

A dessert recipe! And boy are you in for a treat!

This recipe was handed down to me by a very sweet Grandma. It’s not one of those ‘quick and easy’ desserts. It’s something that requires time and lots of love, but is well worth the wait!

BAKED RICE PUDDING

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup white rice (regular rice, not minute rice)     1 qt. milk     3/4 Cup sugar     1/4 tsp. salt     2 tblsp. butter or margarine     3 eggs     1/2 cup raisins (optional)     1 tsp. vanilla     1/2 tsp. cinnamon     nutmeg

Place 1/2 cup of rice and 2 cups milk in top of double boiler. Cover. Cook over water until rice is tender. Stir every now and then. Rice will absorb most of the milk. This will take close to one hour. Turn off heat. Add butter and raisins.

Mix sugar, salt, and cinnamon in large bowl. Add beaten eggs, vanilla, and other 2 cups milk. Add raisin/rice mixture. Stir. Pour into greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Place casserole dish into a larger baking dish, setting in about 1 inch of water. Bake at 350 degrees until set. This will take about one hour.

As you can see, this dessert will take almost 2 hours from start to finish, but as I said, it’s well worth your time!! Enjoy!

Today I’m happy to welcome Linda O’Connor to my blog!

Perfectly Honest by Linda O’Connor

Linda O'Connor Perfectly Honest Book Cover

You never know where your words will take you.

When Mikaela Finn agreed to be Sam’s ‘fiancée’ for a weekend, she probably should have told him that she’s a doctor.

Sam O’Brien, aka ‘Dr. Eye Candy’, is trying to shed his playboy reputation and convince a small town hospital that he’s ready to settle down. But when his ‘fiancée’ helps deliver a baby in the middle of the meet and greet, it’s a bit of a shock. If he’d known the whole truth, he might have done things a little differently because somehow his ‘fiancée’ ends up stealing his job and his heart. Not exactly the change he wanted.

Lies and deceit – it’s a match made in heaven!

Perfectly Honest will be available at Amazon on January 14, 2015.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Linda donated a $5 Amazon card and ebook copy of Perfectly Honest to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

I’ve been writing for three years, and I’m thrilled that Soul Mate Publishing will be publishing my latest novel, Perfectly Honest.I love reading romantic comedies so naturally that’s what I write. I never aspired to be a writer, but now I’m addicted. I love it. I balance writing with my work as a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic and being a mom to three sons (luckily grown and capable of throwing together a decent meal, in a pinch). Plus I like to keep active and cycle, cross-country ski, skate, walk with my husband, or dance every day.The idea to write came after working with young adults. There were some basics I thought they should know – mental health symptoms, birth control myths, how to take ownership of their health. I thought hey, if David Chilton of The Wealthy Barber fame can dole out financial advice in a barbershop, maybe I could dole out medical advice in a Romance novel. That’s how my first novel, She’s Not a Fan, was born.

For many years, I taught clinical skills to medical students and spent a lot of time writing detailed roles for actor-patients. It was great practice for developing characters in my stories. Joining the Romance Writers of America, taking online workshops, (and reading) all helped improve my writing. Medical school was challenging, but it was nothing compared to figuring out where commas go, POV, or sorting out verb tense (simple past, past perfect, past perfect progressive – did they know there were 25 other letters they could have used to name those things?)

Obviously I’m still learning, but I love the process.

I don’t write about people I know, but I definitely take inspiration from snippets of conversations or from the emotion I feel when I talk to people. My designated writing space is any place with a view of Lake Ontario, preferably outside (for three of the four seasons).

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter